The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) is intensifying its campaign to prevent smuggling and the entry of undeclared goods through yachts into the country. Udit Singh, the Chief Executive of FRCS, indicated that close collaboration is underway with local marinas to implement new policies for inspecting incoming yachts.
“We are coordinating with marinas, including the Port of Denarau, and the Yacht Owners Association to establish specific policies for yacht inspections to create a robust framework for these inspections,” Singh stated. This initiative aims to better regulate shipping activities both entering and leaving Fiji.
The FRCS also plans to form a governance group with the marinas to refine guidelines for yacht searches. Such guidelines, influenced by international intelligence on the ports these yachts have previously docked at, focus on targeted inspections to stifle illegal activities more effectively.
Collaboration with international partners for intelligence sharing is deemed vital to ensure effective inspections and prevent smuggling at Fiji’s borders. The comprehensive approach is a response to the growing sophistication of smuggling methods, as highlighted in recent operations where illegal drugs were concealed within everyday items like used water bottles.
This effort aligns with previous reports indicating troubling trends in drug trafficking through Fiji, where inadequate vessel tracking and insufficient resources have allowed the nation to become a transit point for illicit goods. With around 700 to 800 yachts visiting Fiji annually, the government’s proactive measures to secure maritime borders are crucial for protecting the integrity of the nation’s economy and ensuring community safety.
As the festive season approaches, the FRCS has encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, reinforcing the central role that community engagement plays in combating smuggling and illegal trade. The ongoing commitment from authorities reflects a hopeful outlook towards fostering safer trading practices and preserving the country’s economic stability.
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